Dr. Energy answers your questions

07

Jun

Meet Terry Jeffrey, he is one of Islington Council’s Energy Doctors, and visits hundreds of homes to help them cut energy use and save money. He answers your questions on how to stay warm this winter without facing huge bills.

It’s cold outside, but I want to cut my energy bills, what can I do that is easy and cheap?

First look at what temperature your heating is set to – for most 21C is perfect and turning your thermostat down by just 1C can save £60 a year. Make sure your immersion boiler
isn’t on as running it can cost up to 50p an hour. Also replace your lightbulbs with low energy LED bulbs and draught proof your main door.

My elderly mother is reluctant to change energy suppliers, what advice do you have?

Switching can be the best way to save money on your bills, often around £200 so it is worth regularly checking that you are getting the best deal. Maybe use a switching site to show her how much she could save.

You could be entitled to help to cut your bills through the Energy Doctor or the council’s award-winning SHINE network. If you are on a low income, are over 60, have children under 15, or have a disability or health condition visit shine-london.org.uk or call 0300 555 0195.

Ms C, a single mother of two young children has struggled enormously with her mental health over the past few years. She has always been adamant to stay in work in spite of her health and childcare needs, but this hasn’t always been possible.

When Ms C was not able to work she built up arrears on her energy account. Ms C contacted SHINE and received a home visit from our Energy Doctor, £300 of utility discounts and £2,276 trust fund to clear her debt. Thanks to SHINE Ms C is now on a manageable tariff, has stable work and income.